Improve Your Job Search Attitude

Job searching in the current economy is tough on anyone, and, chances are, you will become discouraged. Staying positive is a challenge, but keeping your spirits up may be what pushes you ahead of the pack.

Dave Sanford, Executive Vice President of Client Relations at Winter, Wyman, tells us why “Your Attitude is Key to Your Job Search.” In his article on Mashable.com, Sanford explains that keeping a positive attitude helps you battle your personal depression while also impressing your potential employer. One great way to start changing your attitude is to change your wording:

While you’re in job search mode, think about the way you ask for help, whether it’s from friends, work acquaintances or potential employers. Stay away from, ‘I know you don’t have time for me . . .’ and instead say, ‘I have a lot to offer and would love to be able to share what I know and what I can do.’ If you are sitting in the room anticipating the end of the play before the first act, it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

It’s easy to turn on the self-deprecating humor when you are frustrated with the job hunt, but this is one case when it’s good to avoid it. You don’t want to treat yourself as if you’re unimportant to others — not only is it not true, it’s sending the wrong message. Instead, sell your best assets and show others what you can do to help them. What skills do you have that can help ease the stress of a potential employer? Affirm your positive qualities with concrete details, not generalizations:

Accentuate your value at all times. Talk about demonstrated skill sets, not just, ‘I’m a good guy.’ Instead, ‘I’m a good manager of people, I’m a good problem solver, I’ve been ahead of quota every year.’”

Saying these affirmations aloud will help you believe in them, even if at first you feel like you’re pushing yourself. Soon, you won’t even have to think about it — selling yourself will come naturally.

If you’re still skeptical, think about if you were on the other end. Say you’ve just met someone who is looking for a job. The second you meet her, she launches into a sad and depressing tale of how hard it has been for her. Even if you sympathize, will you really want to listen? Would you jump at the chance to work with her, even when she seems to be depressed or frustrated? You’re more likely to feel receptive toward someone with a positive attitude — and not just because she is more fun to be around, but because her positivity is an admirable quality.

Whether you’ve been job hunting for a month or a year, having the right attitude will help you keep your sanity and attract potential employers. Remember: the less time someone spends complaining or self-pitying, the more time she has to actually promote her good qualities.

About the Author

Marcy Farrey

Marcy Farrey is a videographer, writer, and editor. In her previous life, she worked as a broadcast news reporter and producer in Lincoln, Nebraska and as a writer and producer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has a Master of Arts in Writing and Publishing from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University. Learn more about Marcy on her website www.marcyfarrey.com.